For Game 1 of the playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs have named Jack Campbell as their starting goaltender. Campbell has a 17-2-2 record and ranks at the top of the league in goals against average and save percentage.
After regular starter Frederik Andersen went down with a knee injury, the backup turned starter took advantage of his chance. Andersen returned to the lineup on Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators after missing 23 games, and although he wasn't impressive, he did display flashes of brilliance. Regardless, it appears that the decision has already been taken, and the team is content with Campbell as the starter and Andersen as a backup in case things don't go as planned against the Montreal Canadiens early on.
This is something to keep an eye on as the playoffs begin and the Leafs prepare for the offseason. Campbell has a one-year deal worth $1.65 million for next season, while Andersen is unsigned, so the Leafs could opt to cut ties with Andersen and save some money in order to add some more talent.
Regardless, they'll deal with it later. For the time being, it'll be the Leafs vs. the Habs for the first time in more than 40 years, and Jack Campbell will lead the Maple Leafs out of the tunnel in game one.
